Assembly comprising a flexible container having a dosing device and dosing device of such assembly

ABSTRACT

The assembly comprises a flexible container in which liquid can be stored and a dosing device connected to the container for dispensing liquid from the container in a dosed manner. The dosing device comprises a filling chamber and means for filling the filling chamber from the container at a selectively settable filling height by squeezing the container. The filling chamber comprises a filling chamber bottom, a vertical sidewall and at least a first and a second channel which each extends upwards from the filling chamber bottom of the filling chamber and each has an inflow opening and an outflow opening. The dosing device further comprises a base bottom connected to the container, the entire filling chamber being rotatably mounted on the base bottom. The base bottom is provided with a through-flow opening which, via a feed line, is in fluid connection with the inner space of the container, while the inflow opening of the first or second channel can selectively be brought into fluid connection with the through-flow opening by rotation of the filling chamber relative to the base bottom.

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a flexible containerhaving an inner space in which liquid can be stored and a dozing deviceconnected to the container tor dispensing liquid from the container in adosed manner, the dosing device comprising a filling chamber and meansfor filling the filling chamber from the container at a selectivelysettable filling height by squeezing the container.

The invention also relates to a dosing device of such assembly.

Such assembly is known inter alia from international patent application9603625. The container can be filled with an antifreeze for windscreenwipers and other liquids intended to be dispensed in accuratelypredetermined quantities. In use, the flexible container is squeezed forthis purpose. This will cause the filling chamber to be filled via afeed line system. When the squeezing of the container is subsequentlyended, the container will return into its original shape again, whileliquid will be sucked back from the filling chamber into the inner spaceof the container. However, when the liquid level in the filling chamberhas dropped to the outflow opening of the feed line system, the feedline system will draw in air rather than liquid. consequently, thefilling chamber will be filled to a height corresponding to the heightof the outflow opening of the feed line system. Next, the assembly canbe placed upside down to cause the liquid to flow from the fillingchamber. In this manner, a dosed quantity of liquid is dispensed.

For setting the filling height of the filling chamber, the feed linesystem of the known assembly is built, up from two tubes which aretelescopically interconnected. By moving an upper one of the two tubesup and down relative to the lower one, the height of the outflow openingof the upper tube can be wet relative to a bottom of the filling char ina stepless fashion.

A drawback of the known assembly is that setting the filling height bymanually moving the upper conduit up and down relative to the lowerconduit involves a great inaccuracy. Moreover, the setting operationoften proceeds rather stiffly and jerkily, so that it takes relativelymuch time and effort to set the filling height in an accurate manner.

It is an object of the invention to overcame the above drawback and theinvention is characterized it that the dosing device further comprises abase bottom connected to the container, a filling chamber bottom of thefilling chamber being rotatably mounted on the base bottom, the fillingchamber comprising at least a first and a second channel which eachextend upwards from a filling chamber bottom of the filling chamber andwhich are each provided with an inflow opening and an outflow openingand the base bottom being provided with a through-flow opening which,via a feed line, is in fluid connection with the inner space of thecontainer, while the inflow opening of the first or second channel canselectively be brought into fluid connection with the through-flowopening by rotation of the filling chamber bottom relative to the basebottom, the outflow opening of the first channel being located at afirst height relative to the filling chamber bottom when the inflowopening of the first channel is connected to the through-flow openingand the outflow opening of the second channel being located at a secondheight relative to the filling chamber bottom when the inflow opening ofthe second channel is connected to the through-flow opening, and thefirst and the second height differing from each other.

As in accordance with the invention, the first and the second height aredirectly determined by the two channels, the user knows precisely whichquantities of liquid will be dispensed in a dosed manner. In particular,the device comprises a large number of channels, each having an outflowopening which, when the relevant piece of line in connected to theinflow opening, is located at a predetermined height relative to thefilling chamber bottom. In this manner, through selection of a channel,a corresponding discrete quantity of liquid that is to be dispensed in adosed manner can be set. Each channel can correspond to a predeterminedquantity of liquid. The accuracy of the dosing device may be better than1 per cent.

In accordance with the invention, the filling chamber bottom isrotatably connected to the base bottom. This construction isparticularly robust, accurate and reliable. As a result, the risk ofliquid leaking away from the filling chamber is minimal.

Preferably, it applies that the filling chamber further comprises avertical sidewall which is fixedly connected to the filling chamberbottom, so that the entire filling chamber is rotatable relative to thebase bottom.

Liquid located in the filling chamber can then flow back into thecontainer only via an outflow opening of the selected channel. Also ifthe seal between the through-flow opening and the inflow opening werenot entirely liquid-tight, liquid leaking away from the filling chamberwould flow back into the container only via the selected channel.

Hence, apart from this seal, the filling chamber comprises no furtherseals which interconnect parts that are rotatable relative to each otherin a liquid-tight manner. This meant that it is not possible that liquidleaks away from the filling chamber to the container or to anotherposition outside the filling chamber.

In particular, according to the invention, the first and second channelshave a difference in length corresponding to the height differencebetween the first and the second height. Hence, the channels arrangedfor filling the chamber only slightly are not unnecessarily long. Thissaves material and prevents fouling and clogging of parts of channelwhich, in use, are little or not flowed through.

In particular, the first and the second outflow opening are arrangedadjacent a top side of the first and the second channel respectively.This has as an advantage that, in use, the entire channel is flowedthrough, so that fouling and clogging of that channel do not occur.Further, a starting point and an and point of the channel coincide withthe inflow opening and the outflow opening respectively of the channel,enabling the entire channel to be properly aerated during the drainingof the channel.

Further, it is advantageous when the first and second channel eachdeflect radially outwards relative to the rotary axis of the fillingchamber. This prevents the situation that when the bottle is squeezed,the liquid is spouted to a top side of the liquid chamber and heresticks to an inner wall of the filling chamber, causing the dosing tobecome less accurate.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the assembly, the inflowopening of the first and second channel is provided in the fillingchamber bottom of the filling chamber. This renders the dosing deviceparticularly durable.

Preferably, the filling chamber has its top side provided with a topwall having a pour-out opening, the top wall being fixedly connected tothe sidewall. This means that the filling chamber, at its top side, isnot provided with a seal between rotatable parts which, during pouringout, could start leaking.

In particular, the dosing device further comprises a cap for closing offthe pour-out opening. This cap prevents the assembly from emptying whenit is not used and for instance lies on its side.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, at least in onerotational position of the filling chamber bottom, none of the channelsis connected to the through-flow opening, so that the container isclosed off from the filling chamber. Thus, leaking of liquid from thecontainer when it is not used, is entirely ruled out. Together with thecap, a double safety is thus obtained.

In accordance with a highly advanced embodiment of the assembly, atubular housing is arranged in the filing chamber, which tubular housingextends upwards from the filling chair bottom and is fixedly connectedto the filling chamber bottom, the tubular housing comprising a circularinner wall and a circular outer wall, the first and the second channelbeing arranged in the tubular housing between the inner wall and theouter wall and, in use, the filling chamber being filled in a space ofthe filling chamber located between the vertical wall of the fillingchamber and the outer wall of the tubular housing, and in a space of thefilling chamber enclosed by the inner wall of the tubular housing. Thisconstruction is durable, but also relatively simple to manufacture viaan injection-molding process. Moreover, optimum use is made of thevolume of the filling chamber in that the filling chamber can be filledwith liquid both in a space of the filling chamber located between thevertical wall of the filling chamber and the outer wall of the tubularhousing, and in a space of the filling chamber enclosed by the innerwall of the tubular housing.

Preferably, the through-flow opening has a through-flow area smallerthan 2 square millimeters. The effect thus achieved is that themagnitude of the flow of liquid from the container to the fillingchamber has an upper limit. Also when the bottle is squeezed relativelyfirmly, the liquid is prevented from spouting into the filling chamberat an unduly high speed. If this actually happened, there would be therisk of the liquid chamber flowing over, causing liquid to be spilled.On the other hand, the flowback of excess liquid from the fillingchamber to the container is not unnecessarily delayed.

The provision of the restriction in the through-flow opening moreoverhas the advantage that it is used for any channel and hence for anyfilling height. As the restriction, i.e. the through-flow opening withsaid limited size of the through-flow area, is at a low positionrelative to th outflow opening of the selected channel, foam formationis the liquid during the filling of the filling chamber is prevented.This is particularly desirable for the liquids of the container that aremeant tor consumption.

This effect is further optimized when the height of the through-flowopening in the base bottom is less than 2 mm and more than 1 mm.

The invention will now be specified with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. In these drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first possible embodiment of an assemblyaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross section taken on the line A—A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the dosing device of the assemblyaccording to FIG. 1 taken on the line A—A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the dosing device according to FIG. 3taken on the line B—B of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a part of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows, in perspective, a part of the dosing device of theassembly according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a possible second embodiment of an assemblyaccording co the invention;

FIG. 8 a shows a cross section taken on the line A—A of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a cross section taken on the line B—B of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows a cross section taken on the line C—C of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 shows, in detail, a part of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 shows, in detail, a part of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of the assembly according to FIG. 7;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of a part of the assembly according to FIG.7; and

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the part of FIG. 14.

The assembly 1 according to FIGS. 1-6 comprises a flexible container 2having an inner space 4 in which liquid 6 can be stored. The assemblyfurther comprises a dosing device 8 for dispensing the liquid 6 from thecontainer 2 in a dosed manner. The dosing device a is provided with afilling chamber 10 comprising a filling chamber bottom 12 and a verticalsidewall 14. The vertical sidewall 14 is preferably fixedly connected tothe filling chamber bottom 12, so that the entire filling chamber 10 isrotatably mounted on the base bottom 16. The filling chamber bottom 12is rotatably mounted on a base bottom 16 which is fixedly connected tothe container 2. via a feed line system, the filling chamber 10 is influid connection with the inner space 4 of the container 2. In thisexample, the feed line system consists of a feed line 18 extending fromthe inner space 4 of the container 2 to a through-flow opening 20 in thebase bottom 16. The feed line system further comprises a number ofchannels 22.i (i−1, 2, 3, 4, 5) which are separate from each other andare each mechanically connected to the filling chamber bottom 12. Eachchannel 22.i has an inflow opening 24.i located in the filling chamberbottom 12. Further, each channel 22.i has an outflow opening 26.i.

Together with the channels 22.i, the filling chamber bottom 12 isrotatably connected to the base bottom 16. Hence, the filling chamberbottom 12 and the channels 22.i in combination constitute a rotationelement which is rotatably connected to a housing comprising the basebottom 16. The filling chamber 10 has its top side provided with a topwall 28 in which a pour-out opening 30 is provided. The top wall 28 isfixedly connected to the vertical sidewall 14 of the filling chamber.The filling chamber is further provided with an outer wall 32 extendingdownwards from the top wall 28 and outwards in radial direction. In use,the outer wall 32 can be gripped for rotating the entire fillingchamber, including filling chamber bottom 12 and the channels 22.i,relative to the base bottom 16 for selecting one of the channels 22.i.

The channels 22.i are connected to the filling chamber bottom 12 in suchposition that the inflow opening of each channel 22.i can selectively bebrought into fluid connection with the through-flow opening 20 by arotation of the filling chamber bottom 12. Hence, the feed line 18 canselectively be brought into fluid connection with one of the outflowopenings 26.i (i=1, 2, 3, 4, 5) of the respective channels 22.i.

In this example, the channels 22.i each have a different length.Moreover, the pieces of line are of straight design and are each atleast substantially vertically directed. Further, it applies that theoutflow openings are arranged adjacent an upper free end of the piecesof line. The above implies that the outflow openings 26.i always havemutually different heights relative to the filling chamber bottom 12. Inother words, to a first channel 22.i and a second channel 22.j, whereini is unequal to j, it applies that the outflow opening of the firstchannel 22.i is located at a first height relative to the fillingchamber bottom 12 when the first channel is connected to thethrough-flow opening, and an outflow opening 26.j of the second channel22.j is located at a second height relative to the filling chamberbottom 12 when the second channel 22.j is connected to the through-flowopening 20, the first and the second height differing from each other.

In use, the inner space 4 is aerated only via the feed line system. Thefilling chamber 10 can further be manipulated into a rotational positionsuch that none of the channels 22.i is connected to the through-flowopening 20, i.e. to the feed line 18. This is the case when throughrotation of the filling chamber bottom, a vertical log 34 (see FIG. 6)connected to the filling chamber bottom 12 in manipulated into aposition above the feed line 18.

The device further comprises closing means closing the pour-out opening30 when the maximum filling height of the chamber is exceeded. To thisend, the closing means comprise a floating element 36 which, in thisexample, is of ball-shaped design. The floating element is located inthe filling chamber 10 under the pour-out opening 30.

The operation of the device is as follows. A user first selects one ofthe channels 22.i for filling the filling chamber 10. With this, thefilling height of the filling chamber 10 is set at the same time. Bysetting the filling height of the filling chamber 10, the quantify ofliquid is determined which is eventually dispensed by the assembly.After for instance the channel 22.3 has been manipulated into a positionabove the feed line 18 through rotation of the filling chamber bottom12, a user squeezes the flexible container 2. Now, a liquid flow pathfrom the inner space 4 to the filling chamber 10 extends through thefeed line 18 and the channel 22.3 and ends at the outflow opening 26.3of the channel 22.3. Liquid will now flow from the inner space 4 intothe filling chamber 10 via the feed line 18 and the channel 22.3 A usersqueezes the container 2 such that an excess of liquid is introducedinto the filling chamber 10. The liquid level 46 is then at a heightabove the outflow opening 26 of the channel 22.3. When after the fillingof the filling chamber 10, a user subsequently stops squeezing thecontainer 2. the container 2 will be apt to return into its originalcondition again. Consequently, the container 2 starts to suck liquidfrom the filling chamber 10 back into the inner space 4 of the container2 via the feed line 18 and the channel 22.3. Accordingly, the liquidlevel 38′, i.e. the height of the liquid level relative to the fillingchamber bottom 12, starts to drop. However, when the liquid level 38′has dropped to the outflow opening 26.3, no further liquid will flowback from the filling chamber into the inner space 4 of the container 2.Instead, the container will further be filled with air via the outflowopening 26.3. The liquid level 46 is then exactly flush with the outflowopening 26.3. In this manner, the height of the outflow opening 26.3determines the quantity of liquid that eventually stays behind in thefilling chamber 10 after a user has squeezed the flexible container 2and subsequently allowed it to expand again.

Next, a user can place the assembly upside down, enabling the fillingchamber 10 to drain via the pour-out opening 30, so that hence apredetermined quantity of liquid is dispensed by the assembly in a dosedmanner.

When a user subsequently wishes to dispense a different quantity ofliquid, he can select another channel 22.i corresponding to saidquantity. In this example, it applies that for an increasing value of i,a larger quantity of liquid is dosed. As the height of the channel 22.iis accurately predetermined, a user knows precisely which quantity ofliquid will be dispensed by the assembly.

When, for whatever reason, a user squeezes the container 2 particularlypowerfully, the filling chamber 10 is filled particularly quickly. Thiswould involve the risk of the filling chamber flowing over via thepour-out opening 30. However, this will no: happen. because in thatcase, the liquid level 46 will cause the floating element 36 to moveupwards. Eventually, the floating element 36 will close off the pour-outopening 30, as shown in FIG. 2. When the floating element 36 closes offthe pour-out opening 30. liquid cannot be squeezed from the pour-outopening 30. Moreover, the liquid level of the filling chamber 10 cannotbe filled any further, because in the filling chamber 10 and,accordingly, in the inner space 4, a pressure i; created which opposesthe further impression of the flexible container 2. In this example, anannular edge 40, closed in itself, in provided on the inside of thefilling chamber, around the pour-Out opening 30. This annular edge 40 onthe one hand provides a proper closure with the floating element 36. Onthe other hand, the edge 40 provides that the floating element 36 doesnot stick to the pour-out opening 30 when the bottle is released and theliquid flows partially back again from the filling chamber 10 to theinner space 4 of the container 2. The floating element 36 will then movedown relative to the edge 40 under its weight and floating on thedropping liquid level 46, causing the pour-out opening 30 to be clearedagain.

In this example, the floating element 36 therefore constitutes a closingmeans in which the floating element is moved upwards by the liquid inthe filling chamber when the filling height of the filling chamberexceeds a predetermined m mum value. In this example, said predeterminedmaximum value is partially determined by the dimensions of the floatingelement.

In this example, the dosing device further comprises a removable closingcap 42. The closing cap 42 is detachably connected to the top wall 28.

The assembly 1 according to FIGS. 7-13 is also provided with a flexiblecontainer 2 with an inner space 4 in which liquid 6 can be stored. Theassembly further comprises a dosing device 8 connected to the containerfor dispensing the liquid 6 from the container 2 in a dosed manner. Thedosing device 8 comprises a filling chamber 10 and means for filling thefilling chamber 10 from the container 2 at a selectively settablefilling height by squeezing the container, which means will be discussedin more detail hereinbelow. The filling chamber comprises a fillingchamber bottom 12 and a circular, vertical sidewall 14. The fillingchamber bottom 12 and the vertical sidewall 14 are fixedlyinterconnected and together bound an inner space 4 of the fillingchamber 10. The filling chamber further has its top side provided with atop wall 28 which is likewise fixedly connected to the vertical sidewall14. In fact, this means that at its top side, the vertical sidewall 14is bent over and blends with the top wall 28. Provided in the top wall28 is a pour-out opening 30 which, in this example, is closed off with aremovable cap 42.

The dosing device further comprises a base bottom 16 connected to thecontainer 2.

The filling chamber further comprises at least two channels 22.i (i=1,2, . . . ) which each extend upwards in vertical direction from thefilling chamber bottom 12. Bach channel is provided with an inflowopening 24.i and an outflow opening 26.i. In this example, the inflowopenings 24.i of the channels 22.i are provided in the filling chamberbottom 12. The channels 22.i are fixedly connected to the fillingchamber bottom 12 and manufactured from the same material. Again, itapplies that the filling chamber bottom 12 is rotatably mounted on thebase bottom IC. Hence, the filling chamber bottom 12 and the channels22.i in combination constitute a rotation element which is rotatablyconnected to a housing comprising the base bottom 16. In this example,it moreover applies that the entire filling chamber, comprising thefilling chamber bottom 12, the vertical sidewall 14, the top wall 28 andthe channels 22.i, is mounted on the base bottom 16 for rotation aboutan axial axis 44 of the filling chamber.

In this example, the outflow openings 26.i of the channels 22.i areprovided adjacent a top side of the channels 22.i. At their top sides,each of the channels 22.i deflects outwards in radial direction relativeto the rotary axis of the filling chamber.

Further, a through-flow opening 20 is provided in the base bottom 16, ata position which does not coincide with the rotary axis 44. Via a feedline 18, the through-flow opening 20 is in fluid connection with theinner space 4 of the container 2.

One of the inflow openings of the channels 22.i can selectively bebrought into fluid connection with the through-flow opening 20 by therotation of the filling chamber bottom 12 relative to the base bottom 16forming a part of the housing of the dosing device. In this example, theassembly at least comprises a first and a second channel 22.1, 22.2, towhich it applies that the outflow opening 26.i of the first channel 22.1is located at a first height h relative to the filling chamber bottomwhen the inflow opening 24.i of the first channel 22.1 is connected tothe through-flow opening 20, and to which it applies that the outflowopening 26.2 of the second channel 22.2 is located at a second height h2relative to the filling chamber bottom 12 then the inflow opening 24.2of the second channel is connected to the through-flow opening 20. Here,it further applies that said first and second heights differ from eachother. Said mutually different heights correspond to mutually different,dosed quantities of liquid that can be dispensed vi a the pour-outopening.

As is clearly visible in FIG. 11, the filling chamber further comprisesan outer wall 32 extending outwards in radial direction from the topwall 28 of the filling chamber. The base bottom 16 further comprises avertical side edge 46 which, adjacent its top side, is bent over into anouter wall 48 extending downwards and radially outwards.

A lower free end 50 of the outer wall 32 and an upper free end 52 of theouter wall 48 abut against each other.

In this example, the base bottom 26 with the channels 22.i on the onehand, and the vertical wall 14, the top wall 28 and the outer wall 32 onthe other are manufactured from different parts. However, via snapconnections and the like, the two parts are clampingly interconnected soas to be immovable and liquid-tight, and thus in fact constitute onewhole.

The operation of the device is as follows. A user first selects one ofthe channels 22.i for filling the filling chamber 10. This is effectedthrough rotation of the filling chamber bottom 12, i.e. through rotationof the rotation element comprising the filling chamber bottom 12 and thechannels 22.i relative to the base bottom 16 and the outer wall 48forming a housing of the dosing device. For this, a user can rotate theouter wall 32 relative to the container 2. Thus, the filling height ofthe filling chamber 10 is set at the same time. The user also removesthe cap 42. By setting the filling height of the filling chamber 10, thequantity of liquid which will eventually be dispensed by the assembly isdetermined. After for instance 10 the channel 22.2 has been manipulatedto a position above the through-flow opening 20 to form a liquid-tightconnection therewith, a user squeezes the flexible container 2. Thiswill cause the liquid 6 to flow via the feed line 18, through thethrough-flow opening 20 and via the inflow opening 24.2, upwards throughthe channel 22.2. Eventually, the liquid 6 will flow from the channel22.2 into the filling chamber 10 via the outflow opening 26.2. A usersqueezes the container 2 such that the filling chamber is filled with anexcess of liquid. The liquid level 38 is then at a height above theoutflow opening 26.2 of the channel 22.2. when, after the filling of thefilling chamber 10, a user subsequently stops squeezing the container,the container 2 will be apt to return into its original condition.Consequently, the container 2 starts to suck liquid from, the fillingchamber 10 back into the inner space 4 of the container 2 via the feedline 18 and the channel 22.2. The liquid level, i.e. the height of theliquid level relative to the filling chamber bottom 12, then starts todrop. When the liquid level has dropped to the outflow opening 26.2 ofthe channel 22.2, however, no further liquid will from back from thefilling chamber into the inner space 4 of the container 2. instead, thecontainer 12 will further be filled with air via the channel 22.2 andthe feed line 18. The liquid level 38, in then exactly flush with theoutflow opening 26.2 of the channel 22.2. In this manner, the height ofthe selected outflow opening 26.2 determines the quantity of liquid thateventually remains in the filling chamber 10 after a user has squeezedthe flexible container 2 and subsequently allowed it to expand again. Auser can subsequently place the assembly upside down, enabling thefilling chamber 10 to empty via the pour-out opening 30. In this manner,a predetermined quantity of liquid is dispensed by the assembly in adosed manner. When a user subsequently wishes to dispense a differentquantity of liquid, he can select another channel 22.i corresponding tosaid quantity. In this example, it applies that for an increasing valueof i, a larger quantity of liquid is dosed. As the height of thechannels 22.i is accurately predetermined, a user knows precisely whichquantity of liquid is dispensed by the assembly.

In this example, the base bottom 16 and the filling is chamber extend inparallel relation. This in fact means that the channels 22.i have amutual difference of length corresponding to the height differences ofthe associated filling heights.

In this example, the filling chamber is further provided, at the outsidethereof, with a visible thickening 54 indicating the rotational positionof the filling chamber relative to the base bottom 16. For instance, agraduation may be provided on the outer wall 48, corresponding to thequantity of liquid that is dispensed in a given rotational position ofche filling chamber relative to the base bottom 16. The thickening 54then indicates on the scale which quantity of liquid has been selected.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show in detail a portion of the filling chamber, viz.the filling chamber bottom 12 with the channels 22.i, which togetherconstitute said rotation element. This demonstrates that the fillingchamber comprises a tubular housing 56, extending upwards from thefilling chamber bottom 12 and fixedly connected to the filling chamberbottom 12. The tubular housing 56 comprises a circular inner wall 58 anda circular outer wall 60. The channels 22.i are located in the tubularhousing 56 between the inner wall 58 and the outer wall 60. Thus, aparticularly firm construction is obtained. Moreover, it applies that inuse, the filling chamber is filled in a space 62 (see FIG. 12) locatedbetween the vertical wall 14 of the filling chamber and the outer wall60 of the tubular housing. Also, the filling chamber is filled in aspace 64 enclosed by the inner wall 58 of the tubular housing 56. Hence,in this manner, optimum use is made of the volume of the fillingchamber.

Hence, to the dosing device according to the invention, it applies thatonly the vertical sidewall 14 and the filling chamber bottom 12 of thefilling chamber 10 form the boundaries of the inner space 4 of thefilling chamber that is filled with the liquid. The tubular housing doesnot bound this inner space, because the entire housing is in factincluded and partially immersed in a liquid bath located in the fillingchamber. As stated, the inner space of the filling chamber is thusoptimally used A further advantage of the assembly according to theinvention is that the filling chamber bottom 12 and the verticalsidewall 14 in fact form a bowl-shaped component which is not rotatablerelative to the channels 22.i. After all, the channels 22.i rotate alongwith the bowl-shaped housing of the filling chamber. Further, it appliesthat the top wall 28 likewise rotates along with the vertical sidewall14, simply because the vertical sidewall 14 and the top wall 28 arefixedly interconnected. This again has the advantage that duringpouring, there is no risk of liquid leaving the filling chamber via anopening other than said pour-out opening. Indeed, the filling chamberdoes not have its top side provided with parts rotating relative to eachother and having a mutual seal.

The chance of the channels becoming clogged is almost ruled out, becausethe inflow and outflow openings of each channel are in principle locatedat the beginning and end of the relevant channel. This implies that inuse, the entire channel will be flowed through by the lied. This againhas as a result that the chance of the channels becoming clogged bydried-in liquid rests is small.

An can be sees in FIG. 14, at a particular position 66, the fillingchamber bottom 12 is not provided with a channel 22.i. When this portion66 of the filling chamber bottom 12 is manipulated into a position abovethe through-flow opening 20 by rotation of the filling chamber bottom 12and in this example by rotation of the entire filling chamber 10relative to the base bottom 16, the through-flow opening 20 is closedoff. Moreover, the pour-out opening 30 can further be closed off bymeans of the cap 42.

In accordance with a further elaboration of the assembly according tothe invention, a restriction 68 is provided in the through-flow opening20. In this example, this restriction has a through-flow area which issmaller than 2 square millimeters. Hence, the through-flow opening has athrough-flow area which is smaller than 2 square millimeters. Moreover,it applies that the through-flow Opening 26, i.e. the restriction 68arranged in the base bottom 16, has a height which is less than 2 mm andmore than 1 mm. The great advantage of the thus dimensioned through-flowarea is that the magnitude of the liquid flow from the container to theselected channel 22.i is limited by the restriction. Also when thecontainer 2 is squeezed very firmly, the magnitude of the liquid flowwill remain limited. This prevents the filling chamber 10 from beingfilled so quickly that it flows over. On the other hand, the selectedsize of the through-flow opening has no adverse effect on causing theexcess of liquid present in the filling chamber to flow back when, aftersqueezing, the container is apt to resume its original shape. This willstill be completed within a few seconds. As the restriction 68 isarranged in the through-flow opening 20, it can be used for each channel22.i. Moreover, the restriction has the advantage that no foaming occursin the filling chamber when it is being filled wit liquid from thecontainer. This of particular importance then the container is filledwith concentrated coffee. After all, it is undesired that concentratedcoffee is dispensed in a dosed manner which is provided with a largequantity of foam. This proves to have a negative effect on the eventualflavor of the coffee when the coffee extract is diluted with hot water.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid dispensing assembly comprising: aflexible container defining a space therein adapted to store a liquid;dosing device connected to said container and adapted for dispensing theliquid from said container, said dosing device comprising: a feed linein fluid communication with said space in said flexible container; abase bottom defining a through-flow opening therethrough, saidthrough-flow opening being in fluid communication with said feed line; afilling chamber rotatably mounted on and substantially in contact withsaid base bottom, said filling chamber comprising a filling chamberbottom; and at least two channels disposed within said filling chamberon said filling chamber bottom, each of said channels defining an inflowopening and an outflow opening therein such that for each of saidchannels said inflow and outflow openings are in fluid communicationwith one another, each of said outflow openings being in fluidcommunication with said filling chamber, and each of said outflowopenings being at a unique height, such that a height of each of saidoutflow openings is different from a height of all other of said outflowopenings; wherein said filling chamber is rotatable relative to saidbase bottom such that a selected channel selected from said channels maybe individually and exclusively aligned with said through-flow opening,such that said inflow opening of said selected channel is in fluidcommunication with said through-flow opening; a squeezing of saidflexible container causes the liquid to flow from said container throughsaid feed line, said through-flow opening, said inflow opening of saidselected channel, said outflow opening of said selected channel, andinto said filling chamber; and when the squeezing of said flexiblecontainer is sufficient to fill said filling chamber with the liquid toa height greater than said height of said outflow opening of saidselected channel, the liquid drains out of said filling chamber throughsaid outflow opening of said selected channel, said inflow opening ofsaid selected channel, said through-flow opening, and said feed lineinto said flexible container until said filling chamber is filled tosaid height of said outflow opening of said selected channel.
 2. Anassembly according to claim 1, wherein said filling chamber furthercomprises a sidewall fixedly connected to said filling chamber bottom.3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said filling chamber andsaid channels comprise an integral tubular housing, said tubular housingcomprising a circular outer wall disposed within said sidewall and acircular inner wall disposed within said outer wall, said channels beingdisposed between said inner wall and said outer wall, such that saidfilling chamber comprises a first space defined between vertical walland said outer wall and a second space defined by said inner wall, suchthat the squeezing of said flexible container causes the fluid to fillsaid first and second spaces.
 4. An assembly according to claim 1,wherein said inflow openings are said filling chamber bottom.
 5. Anassembly according to claim 1, wherein said filling chamber comprises atop wall defining a pour-out opening therethrough.
 6. An assemblyaccording to claim 5, said dosing device further comprises a cap adaptedto prevent a flow of liquid through said pour-out opening.
 7. Anassembly according to claim 1, each of said channels is of a uniquelength corresponding to said unique height of each of said outflowopenings.
 8. An assembly according to claim 7, wherein each of saidchannels comprises a top side, and said outflow opening of each of saidchannels defined adjacent said top side of each of said channels.
 9. Anassembly according to claim 1, wherein said filling chamber bottom isconnected to said base bottom so as to rotate about a rotary axisperpendicular to said base bottom.
 10. An assembly according to claim 8,wherein said filling chamber bottom is connected to said base bottom soas to rotate about a rotary axis perpendicular to said base bottom, andwherein said top sides of said channels deflect radially outwards fromsaid rotary axis.
 11. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein saidfilling chamber bottom is adapted to be rotated such that none of inflowopenings is in fluid communication with said through-flow opening,whereby said container said filling chamber are not in fluidcommunication.
 12. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said basebottom and said filling chamber bottom are substantially parallel. 13.An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said through-flow opening hasan area smaller than 2 square millimeters.
 14. An assembly according toclaim 13, wherein said through-flow opening has an area smaller than 1.5square millimeters.
 15. An assembly according to claim 13, characterizedin that a height of said through-flow opening is less than 2 mm and morethan 1 mm.
 16. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said dosingdevice comprises more than two channels.
 17. A dosing device adapted foruse in a liquid dispensing assembly, said dosing device comprising: afeed line adapted for fluid communication with a flexible containercontaining a liquid; a base bottom defining a through-flow openingtherethrough, said through-flow opening being in fluid communicationwith said feed line; a filling chamber rotatably mounted on andsubstantially in contact with said base bottom, said filling chambercomprising a filling chamber bottom; and at least two channels disposedwithin said filling chamber on said filling chamber bottom, each of saidchannels defining an inflow opening and an outflow opening therein suchthat for each of said channels said inflow and outflow openings are influid communication with one another, each of said outflow openingsbeing in fluid communication with said filling chamber, and each of saidoutflow openings being at a unique height, such that a height of each ofsaid outflow openings is different from a height of all other of saidoutflow openings; wherein said filling chamber is rotatable relative tosaid base bottom such that a selected channel selected from saidchannels may be individually and exclusively aligned with saidthrough-flow opening, such that said inflow opening of said selectedchannel is in fluid communication with said through-flow opening; asqueezing of the flexible container causes the liquid to flow from thecontainer through said feed line, said through-flow opening, said inflowopening of said selected channel, said outflow opening of said selectedchannel, and into said filling chamber; and when the squeezing of theflexible container is sufficient to fill said filling chamber with theliquid to a height greater than said height of said outflow opening ofsaid selected channel, the liquid drains out of said filling chamberthrough said outflow opening of said selected channel, said inflowopening of said selected channel, said through-flow opening, and saidfeed line into the flexible container until said filling chamber isfilled to said height of said outflow opening of said selected channel.